News from the Dean: November 2016

If you’ve been flipping channels lately, you may have spotted some A&A students in two Penn State commercials that aired widely. Three graduate actors were cast in a humorous spot as part of the University’s current enrollment campaign. In addition, music and visual arts students appeared in another commercial as part of Penn State’s branding effort.

Our students have also been featured in events on campus, including the kick-off for the University’s “All in at Penn State” initiative, an ongoing effort focused on recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion. Students from across the college performed during the multimedia presentation and in promotional activities leading up to the event, which was held in front of Old Main. As historic 3D pictures splashed across the front of the building, attendees were urged to “go beyond diversity, dig deeper, and ask ourselves, ‘How can we work together, listen to each other, stand up for one another? Are we inclusive? Are we all in?’”

The College of Arts and Architecture has always not only supported diversity, but encouraged it—among students, faculty, and staff; in their creative work; in their collaborations with other disciplines. While discussions of diversity and inclusion may bring past negative experiences to the forefront, we are committed to providing a supportive environment where members of our community can feel comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns.

The holiday season is almost here once again, and we have much to be grateful for in our college. Our faculty continue to share their talents and expertise with groups on campus and abroad, as you will read in this issue. You will also read about our fundraising campaigns for #GivingTuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. We hope you will make a gift to the Blue Band Legacy Fund or the College of Arts and Architecture Alumni Society Scholarship Fund to help us meet our #GivingTuesday goals. A gift on #GivingTuesday is a great way to kick off the holiday season!

Looking ahead to the new year, we are excited to begin the School of Music expansion and renovation project. You will read more about that in future publications.